Susan F. Says:
Is two weeks enough time to scout Costa Rica? How do we know where to stay for those two weeks? And how do we find a real estate agent who will be honest, have patience, and truly knows the country?
IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says:
Hi Susan,
You can certainly scout a good deal of Costa Rica in two weeks. Though once you’re done, you may find you wish to go back and spend more time in a place you liked to dig even deeper on what life is like there.
There is no “bad” place to visit or live in Costa Rica—the deciding factor will be the kind of lifestyle you desire. In addition, there is no “bad” time of year to visit. This depends on what type of weather you prefer.
“Rainy” season begins, more or less, in May and runs through November. The southern part of the country, the Caribbean side, and the Central Valley tend to get more rain than the Guanacaste province in the northwest. But even so, that does not mean days are a complete washout. In fact, most days anywhere will see sunshine. Rainy season means fewer crowds and cheaper prices. But it also means occasional flooded roads and more mosquitoes. It is all a trade-off.
If you’re traveling in the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, or during Easter, bear in mind that this is super high season. Bookings will all need to be made well in advance or you might find yourself sleeping on the beach!
Our Costa Rica Scouting Trip Itineraries and Travel Guide features a detailed, two-week itinerary to scout for a potential destination—called the “fundamental” itinerary.
These trips are designed to pack in a lot of places and information for your research. They’re not created for a relaxing vacation. However, if you need a day or so to chill in any of these places, do feel free to factor this into your own plans.
As for finding a real estate agents, our Escape To Costa Rica guidebook contains a rolodex of trusted contacts in the country, including real estate agents. Plus, it’s jam-packed with details on the various regions, visas and residency, healthcare, and everything else you’ll need to know for your move.
Best of luck with your scouting trip!
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